short-term road training for them furriners......?

[cousin jack]

Red and I arw seriously planning on touring Ireland, Scotland, and the UK (can't get a handle on the terms you guys use for yourself..... Britain, the UK, "Blighty,"etc.,.......). We have a UK licensed bike pledged to us for the summer of 2011, but...I'm afraid I won't be skilled enough for Brit roads. I did fine several years ago in Switzerland, but, I believe that Brit riders ride faster and in more crowded conditions that I am used to.... don't wanna kill myself, Red, or, God Forbid, any innocent bystander! And then, there's always that "other side of the road" thing.....

Do any of you know of a short-term, non-license oriented, road skill program in which I could enroll upon arrival? Something that might prep me up for your roads? Any help appreciated....

[Guest]

I'm sure there will be a forum member in the areas you wish to visit who would be more than happy to meet up with you and give a few pointers but maybe contact a rider training school in the areas and discuss your requirments with them,i'm sure it can be done

2011 depending on when your coming I'm 400 miles from scotland but i might be able to wangle a weekend up there you never know

http://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/centres.htm

[Pete]

Like Gary said it might be worth chucking an email across to an instructor over here who can give you a few hours introduction to British roads (just make sure they're based where you'll be arriving first!). To be honest though Jack I don't think there's much you need to worry about - of course there's riding on the left (and getting up in the mornings, getting on the bike, riding down the road and thinking "now why is that truck driving on my side of the ro......oh piss") but apart from that you'll be fine. There are a few nut jobs that spank it everywhere going too fast, but I think on the whole we don't ride any quicker than anyone else. As for more crowded conditions, meh it depends where you're planning on going. Central London then yes it'll be busy (think New York and then some - roads are narrower in London than New York due to it being sprawling and with most of the roads built when cars weren't about, compared to the nicely planned wide roads of New York!).

Also like Gary said it'll be worth letting us know your itinerary if you're up for hooking up with people over here (if not then just tell us you've been when you get back !).

As for the UK is made up of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Great Britain being England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain, Southern Ireland / Eire is a totally separate country). For more info look here:

http://www.know-britain.com/general/great_britain.html

[Guest]

I am assuming it is something like a Pan Jack?

To echo those two ^ , an email to an instructor here, explaining your concerns should work wonders. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd tailor a days worth of training just to suit.

[Mightycaz]

When you say the other side of the road I think you mean the correct side!

[Guest]

See how it fits in but perhaps a Bikesafe might be an idea depending of course on when and where you arrive.

[cousin jack]

I am assuming it is something like a Pan Jack?

To echo those two ^ , an email to an instructor here, explaining your concerns should work wonders. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd tailor a days worth of training just to suit.

 

Yes, Dan, it is a ST1100 PanEuropean..... older one, but licensed to Brit standards and well-maintained by all accounts. The fellow owning it lives in Oregon, USA, but is good friends with a Brit rider and keeps it in his garage.... the Oregonian is a free spirit and goes over to the UK or Europe to ride each spring and fall (he's a bachelor!), and loans it during the summer, which is the only season we have to tour because Red yet teaches..... We became good friends during a Steve Saunders (Irish) Goldwing rally last Sept. in Colorado.... golden opportunity for the Red and me to see the UK! We wouldn't be riding in major metropolitan areas like London... like in Europe, we'd take up a place just outside and take commercial transport into them, and then become ordinary Tour-taking tourists! We ain't too proud, you see!

Also, I got your pm and have you marked!

Thanks, everyone...

[cousin jack]

See how it fits in but perhaps a Bikesafe might be an idea depending of course on when and where you arrive.

 

Bikesafe? Bikesafe? What is it? Google.... I'm on it!

Hi, Parapanfan! How are ya?

edit: Ah, I see.... local Police Departments training riders.... sounds like a really good idea....Does it work well? Would they take someone with another country's license, I wonder....? Guess I'll find out where the Oregonian keeps his bike, and email the nearest department.... but.... if I failed their course, would they then ban me from the road?

Just found out that the bike lives in Croydon.....

Edited November 27, 2009 by cousin jack

[Pete]

They wouldn't ban you from the road, don't worry! There're people on here that have done the course (only a two day thing) and have really enjoyed it, and gotten a lot out of it.

Yes it's worth firing an email off to the local police force to see if you'd be allowed to do it. I'd be interested to hear what they say anyway. Good luck Jack...

[ricky_v]

get on appears to be offering an hour free

http://www.geton.co.uk/

Roundabouts and mini roundabouts might be an issue as well.

Good Luck!

[Guest]

As Pete says, Mel, it's not a pass/fail but an observed ride with frequent stops for advice and suggested changes to your riding style.

It is usually a two day affair, when I did one a few years back a rider + pillion did it so they both felt safe.

Have a look here > http://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/index.htm

Not too far from Croydon, and if you can ride and survive London the rest of the country will be a doddle. You could always drop them a line and see what they can offer.

And they visit the Ace!

[cousin jack]

Not too far from Croydon, and if you can ride and survive London the rest of the country will be a doddle. You could always drop them a line and see what they can offer.

And they visit the Ace!

 

The Ace! Mercy, I may faint....... (a romantic, me!)

Thanks, Para..... I've done sent an email to the good Sgt Paul Mostyn to see if they will take "rough colonials......"

[Guest]

It's 7.00PM here Mel, don't expect a reply until next week - mind you there's plenty of time before you get here!

[cousin jack]

Well now.... got a very pleasant response from the good Sgt Paul Mostyn:

Mel and Sandy

We would love for you to attend one of our courses. As a licensed rider as long as the machine you will be using has a policy of insurance and a current MOT test certificate (if over three years old) then you would be most welcome.

The course we run is for 1 day and is run in the north west of London, but as you are collecting your motorcycle from Croydon, you may wish to attend the same course but in the south east of London (in Bromley). I would suggest that you book the course via an email to me nearer the time as we are not taking bookings a year and a half in advance !!

I assume you have had a look at the website and see the sort of thing we offer, it is also offered in the US now too.

Thanks for the email and I certainly look forward to welcoming you when you come over

Regards

Paul

So it is possible, feasible even! Now the excitement is starting to build, need to get crackin' on the overall plan..... Thanks everyone for the help and advice!

[Guest]

Plenty of preparation and planning provides perfect Panning!

[Hoody]

Jack,

I deliver BikeSafe in the north east of the UK.

I'm also an examiner for RoSPA for advanced motrcylists.

If you need any advice please PM me or closer to the time contact me if I can help.

[cousin jack]

Jack,

I deliver BikeSafe in the north east of the UK.

I'm also an examiner for RoSPA for advanced motrcylists.

If you need any advice please PM me or closer to the time contact me if I can help.

 

Thank you, Hoody....got you down, mate.